The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-11-12

"Y our Jest as much mistaken as II YOU'D
lost your birthday. First ono that starts
into the water will feel VOLTS hair rope
around his neck. Then, we'll both grab
holt an jerk him down into the water.
Then, we'll drag him here an beat him
scan'lous. We're goin' to fight in peace or
know tho reason wbyr
"You betw agreed the Indian.
Tho school police consulted excitcdly for
| time, and ended by agreeing to remain In
their present location.
Then the battle began. Tho lads struck,
bit, pinched and clawcd, till appearances
seemed to predict that they would be torn
to useless pieces. The spectators APP
plauded vigorously and yelled with great
unanimity whenever either Of the com.
batants received a particularly energetic
| blow.
Suddenly, the sunlight seemed blotted
out in an instant. The cloud-wall that, but
half an hour before, had looked no larger
than mans hand, now spread half across
the heavens. Unobserved, 1t had risen
with race-horse rapidity. Depending from
1t was n long, tail-like funnel of inky black
ness. As the sun was hidden, all looked
toward the coming cloud and hostilities in
stantly ceased.
| With rush and sullen roar, the water
spout whirled toward them, down the
course Of the "branch." AS they looked
it burst, and the tons of water it bore were
prccipitated into the "branch," but short
| distance above them.
"Come ashoreT' yelled Smudge. "Come
ashore, right smart, or yer gonersW Even
Us the two started to wade to the bank,
the rushing of tho wall OF waters
could be plainly heard. A moment later it
wes upon them. The Indian quickly un-
looscned the lariat and, whirling an end
shoreward, he yelled: "Catch!" The police
grabbed the end and drew in, hand-over-
hand "Grab on!" he cried to Fin.
| But the waters reached them, rose to
their waists, their shoulders, over their
heads, and Fin was swept away. The lads
pulled bravely, and, in spite of the power
of the flood, drew the young half-breed out
on Slore. All that could be seen of Fin
was his round, bullet head, bobbing about
in the turbid, angry waters Of the swollen
"branch." 1t became evident to the
drenched knot of lads, huddled on the
bank and casting frightened glancss at the
fast.disappeuring head, that Fin could not
swim stroke. a few moments, at most,
was all he had to live, and, at the thought,
their chins quivered in impotent fear.
Withouta sound, the young Indian started
away at tho top Of his speed, winding up
the dragging hair lariat as he ran. Not
knowing what else to do, the rest of the
boys ran after him. He was bearing al
most directly away from the "branch,"
and, it seemed evident that he intended to
leave Fin to his fate.
"Hc's a-goin to let him die," said Smudge,
excitedly "Wal, we can't do nuthin' to
help 1t. But, it seems mighty tough"
"That's what!' agreed another. "Still,
mebby he orter, 'cordin' to 1njun law. Look
hO1v Tin pactprad an, tormnntpd hin, ~
EYES," returned Smudge, as they ran.
"Mebbe he ort, but it's tough. Watts
he a-runnin' ferl"
"Dunno, lessen it's not to see Fin die.
Wat are we a.runnin ferl"
"Same reason, reggin."
"Looky tharl" cried Smudge. "He's
a-turnin'!"
1t was true. The Indian was bearing q
little to the right now, and running with
rcdoubled speed. His purpose was plain.
, "He's a-malin' fer the cutoff" said one
, That was it. BY following the winding
course Of the "branch" the Indian coulc
not hope to come up with the rapid waters
that bore the boy. But, by hurrying across
the quarter of mile of prairies that lay
between tho little island and the poin
! where the ''branch" made long, sweeping
curve, he could intercept the floating body
( "Ho's a.hurryin' to see Fin float past
He's gittin' even, fer sure.":
, "That's wa'tn'
''l'd hato to do it,
"Me, too!'
The young Indian had reached the bank
and stood with his cleaning eyes gazins
up stream. The hair lariat neatly coiled
was held in his right hand.
. .'Yere comes Finr called one of the lads
{ as they reached the Indians side. Born
D onward by the flood, he seemed inert, sense
less, dead, perhaps. He was almost abreas
Of them, and, in another moment, would b.
gone.
"Look at the lnjun's eyes," whispere'
Smudge. "See lem blaze! He's gittin
even, but it's tough"
''Thats what!" returned the one ad
dressed. Then, as Fins body was almos
l opposite them, the Indian seemed galvanize,
, into new life. Swiftly the hair lariat wa!
whirled about his head. There was quick
jerking motion Of his arm, and the loop sho
out over the rushing, turbid waters towar'
/ Fin. An instant it seemed to hang sus
/ pended in the air, then it dropped unerring
. ly about the head bobbing on the water. 1
firm jerk drew it tight about the boy'
neck. Then, ut q motion from the Indian
D the police laid hold. In a moment more
Fin McGonigal was lying, limp and sense